Salon HiFi 2011
by Ken Kessler | November 18,
2011

Following a couple
of weeks after the Milan show, Pariss Salon
HiFi Home Cinema at the Pullman Rive Gauche Hotel is one of the longest-running shows in
Europe. It has, naturally, a uniquely Gallic flavor, exemplified by large rooms that are
elegantly attired and comfortable, a host of odd-looking loudspeakers, plenty of tube
equipment and unexpected surprises, like the first showing in Europe of the Audio Research DS-Pre, which just missed Milan.
Rumored to be the last at this venue -- the hotel is
being sold -- there are hopes that next years event will see a return to the
spectacular Palais des Congrès.

McIntoshs
French importer, Philippe Demaret, created this wall of sound, including the ultimate
McFanatic accessory: a carpet woven to look like a McIntosh front panel.

Show organizer
Jean-Marie Hubert (right) demonstrates a new iPhone app to European Audio Teams
Jozefina Lichtenegger.

Philippe Demaret
(left) of Europe Audio Diffusion and Ricardo Franassovici of Absolute Sounds, respectively
the most powerful high-end distributors in France and the UK. The two of them control the
high-end destiny of over 120,000,000 potential audiophiles. |